Skattebo leads Arizona State to 30-23 victory over Mississippi State
- Cam Skattebo rushed for a career-high 262 yards, leading Arizona State's offense.
- The Sun Devils built a significant lead, going up 30-3 before Mississippi State mounted a comeback.
- Arizona State's victory marks their first win over a Southeastern Conference opponent.
In a thrilling matchup on Saturday night in Tempe, Arizona State secured a 30-23 victory over Mississippi State, marking their first win against a Southeastern Conference opponent. Cam Skattebo was the standout performer, rushing for a career-high 262 yards, while quarterback Sam Leavitt contributed significantly with two rushing touchdowns. The Sun Devils established a commanding 27-3 lead by halftime, showcasing their offensive prowess against a struggling Mississippi State defense. Arizona State's offense was effective, with Skattebo and Leavitt combining for 193 rushing yards before the break. The Sun Devils extended their lead to 30-3 in the third quarter, controlling the game with a lengthy 14-play drive that consumed over eight minutes of clock. However, Mississippi State responded with determination, scoring two touchdowns in the fourth quarter to narrow the gap. The Bulldogs' efforts were highlighted by Kevin Coleman Jr.'s impressive 80-yard touchdown reception, which brought the score to 30-23. Despite their late-game surge, Mississippi State was unable to complete the comeback, leaving them with much to improve under first-year coach Jeff Lebby. Quarterback Blake Shapen acknowledged his mistakes, particularly a fumble that led to a touchdown for Arizona State. With this victory, Arizona State improved to 2-0 and will face Texas State in their first road game of the season. The win not only boosts their confidence but also sets a positive tone for the remainder of the season as they aim to defy preseason expectations.